When we think of baseball, we often think of men on the field, but women have played a significant role in the sport’s history, across the years. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of women in baseball, along with the stories of pioneering women who broke barriers by playing, coaching, and contributing to baseball. So without any further delay, let’s get right into it!
Early Days: Women’s Baseball in the 19th Century
Women’s baseball dates back to the mid-19th century, with the first recorded women’s game taking place in 1875 at Vassar College. The Bloomer Girls, a traveling team, emerged in the 1890s, featuring women players who wore bloomers, a type of pantaloons, instead of skirts. This innovative attire allowed for greater freedom of movement on the field.
The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL)
The AAGPBL, founded in 1943, was a groundbreaking women’s professional baseball league that inspired the movie “A League of Their Own.” The league featured talented women players like Joanne Winter, Connie Wisniewski, and Sophie “Flint Flash” Kurys. The AAGPBL paved the way for future generations of women in baseball.
Pioneering Players
- Jackie Mitchell: In 1931, Mitchell became the first woman to pitch in a professional baseball game, striking out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
- Effa Manley: A co-owner of the Newark Eagles, Manley was the first woman inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.
- Toni Stone: A talented pitcher and infielder, Stone played in the Negro Leagues and was a pioneer for women in baseball.
Coaches and Executives
- Rachel Robinson: Wife of Jackie Robinson, Rachel was a trailblazer in her own right, serving as a coach and scout for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
- Jean Afterman: A pioneering executive, Afterman was the first woman to hold a high-level position in an MLB front office.
Modern Era: Women in Baseball Today
- Justine Siegal: In 2011, Siegal became the first woman to throw batting practice for an MLB team (Cleveland Indians).
- Rachel Balkovec: A former minor league strength and conditioning coach, Balkovec is now a hitting coach for the New York Yankees’ minor league affiliate.
Baseball has no gender, and women are proving it every day
The Impact of TV & Film on Women’s Baseball
TV shows and movies have played a significant role in promoting women’s baseball, challenging gender stereotypes, and inspiring a new generation of female players. Some of the most influential TV shows and movies are:
- Pitch (2016-2017) – A short-lived but impactful TV series about a young woman who becomes the first female pitcher in MLB.
- Tamayomi: The Baseball Girls – A 2020 anime about a pitcher and catcher who were childhood friends.
- A League of Their Own (2022) – A TV reboot of the original film, exploring the lives of women in the AAGPBL.
Empowering the Next Generation
As we look to the future, it’s clear that women’s participation in baseball is on the rise. A great number of organizations like ”Baseball for All” are working to increase opportunities for young women to play baseball. These initiatives aim to create a more inclusive environment, challenging traditional gender norms and stereotypes.
Discover more about the beautiful game in the book “‘Pug,’ ‘Fireball,’ and Company: 116 Years of Professional Baseball in Des Moines, Iowa,” a must-read for baseball fans and history enthusiasts alike.
0 Comments